Shorter sentences - the way to go

It might seem incredibly obvious, but the key to writing well is writing clear sentences.

And the key to writing clear sentences is to keep them short.

Now here’s a promise. If you want to improve your writing, starting right now, all you have to do is this. Write shorter sentences. It's that simple.

Much of the trouble that writers get into comes from trying to make sentences do too much work.

Readers can process only one idea at a time. If you keep your sentences short, or at least shortish, readers will find your writing easy to follow. If they find your writing easy, you'll get your message across.

And isn't that what you always want to do?

Look at this example:

Verbose sentence: “If there are any points on which you require explanation or further particulars we shall be glad to furnish such additional details as may be required by telephone.”(28 words)

How it could be: “If you have any further queries, please call us.”(9 words)

This shorter sentence is not only easier to understand, it also gets the point across more clearly.

Do yourself a favour. Write shorter sentences. They really work.